Chapter 562

Nathan Blackwood felt he could become just like those paid companions—serving Evelyn Sinclair with utter devotion if it meant having her back in his life.

His pride meant nothing.

Only Evelyn mattered.

Her intoxicating perfume enveloped him, but her piercing gaze remained icy.

Evelyn reached up and lightly tapped Nathan's jawline. She'd always been drawn to his sharp, aristocratic features.

A cold smirk curled her lips.

"You couldn't possibly compare to the professionals I hire."

Nathan's pupils dilated violently. The way she looked down on him—the way she crushed him—only made him crave her more.

After a stunned pause, he let out a hoarse laugh and cradled her face. His eyes burned crimson—whether from unshed tears or raw desperation.

"Pay me instead. I'll learn fast."

His nose brushed her forehead as his voice cracked.

"I'm cheap. And adaptable."

He surrendered every shred of dignity, letting Evelyn trample over what remained.

Evelyn studied him. Her mocking smile faded.

Her chest constricted painfully. Breathing became difficult.

She'd never seen Nathan like this—broken, begging.

For one fleeting second, her resolve wavered.

But it was too late.

Their story had ended long ago.

Every hope had died with their divorce.

Evelyn's silence shattered Nathan's fragile illusions.

He understood. There was no second chance.

Despair threatened to consume him as he released her, arms falling limply to his sides.

Then an idea struck. Evelyn hooked a finger under his chin.

"Fine. But remember—if you disappoint me even once, you'll disappear when I say so."

Ignoring him only gave him false hope. This way, she could force him to let go—no matter how brutal the method.

Nathan froze.

Despite her cruel tone, euphoria flooded his veins. He felt resurrected.

The lingering redness in his eyes hadn't faded when—

"Mr. Blackwood! We need you over here!"

The director's shout shattered the moment.

Nathan shot the man a murderous glare for the interruption.

Evelyn shoved him away with a scoff.

"Go. Don't waste my time."

She turned toward the makeshift wooden cabin where Lucas Sterling waited.

Nathan longed to follow, but the director kept calling. "Mr. Blackwood! Urgently!"

Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to walk away.

The gazebo had hidden their exchange from the crew, but not from one observer.

Inside the cabin, Lucas narrowed his eyes at Evelyn's swollen lips.

"Tsk. Why didn't you slap Nathan when he touched you? I'd have rushed to your defense."

Evelyn's lack of resistance puzzled him.

Nathan hadn't crossed the line—if anything, Evelyn had dominated the encounter.

She grabbed a tissue, meticulously wiping her mouth before rinsing with bottled water.

Then she dropped the bombshell.

"I'm seeing Nathan Blackwood."

Lucas's jaw dropped.

She continued calmly, "I'll dump him soon."

Lucas choked. "Are you insane? Nathan isn't some toy!"

He gripped her shoulders. "Evelyn, I'll introduce you to hotter, younger guys. Forget him."

This situation reeked of disaster.

Evelyn met his frantic gaze. "Only children choose. Adults take everything they want."